Lena Savoie
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a person's impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder and can have adverse effects on mental health, contributing to psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of suicide. As a progressive disease, AUD can be challenging to identify in its early stages, and those affected may be good at hiding their addiction. However, there are several warning signs that may indicate a partner is struggling with alcoholism, including social activities revolving around alcohol, increased tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, and personality changes while under the influence. If you suspect your partner may have AUD, it is important to seek help from healthcare professionals and consider interventions with people who care about your partner's well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a common medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. |
| Diagnosis | Healthcare providers diagnose the condition by doing a physical examination to look for symptoms of conditions caused by alcohol use disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is used to determine the severity of the disorder. |
| Symptoms | Craving the next drink, developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, continuing to drink despite negative consequences, neglecting responsibilities, relationship problems, mood swings, uncharacteristic behavior, bursts of energy followed by crashes, defensiveness about drinking, and prioritizing drinking over other activities. |
| Risk Factors | Genetic factors, family history of alcohol problems, mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, ADHD), and history of trauma. |
| Treatment | Treatment includes behavioral therapy, mutual-support groups, and/or medications. Inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation may be recommended for severe cases. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines AUD as the inability to stop drinking despite the damaging effects on a person's life. AUD impacts every aspect of a person's life, including work, health, and relationships. It is important to note that AUD does not imply a lack of self-control. Instead, it is a disorder that affects a person's brain, making it challenging to control alcohol consumption.
The risk factors for developing AUD include genetics, family history, mental health conditions, and trauma. Research has shown that genetics accounts for approximately 60% of the risk, but environmental factors also play a role. Mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with an increased risk of AUD. Additionally, people with a history of childhood trauma may also be more vulnerable to developing AUD.
The signs and symptoms of AUD include increased tolerance to alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences. Individuals with AUD may also neglect responsibilities and experience relationship problems. They may become defensive or hostile when confronted about their drinking and make excuses or minimise the severity of the issue. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and the severity is determined by healthcare providers using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
If you are concerned that your partner may be struggling with AUD, it is important to approach the topic sensitively and calmly. Encourage your partner to seek help from a healthcare professional, as early intervention can be crucial for recovery. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, mutual-support groups, and medications.
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Physical symptoms
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition characterised by compulsive drinking and an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. While the signs and symptoms of AUD vary between individuals, physical symptoms are often noticeable.
One of the most apparent indicators of alcoholism is a marked change in physical appearance. This can include weight fluctuations, skin changes, and a decline in grooming habits. Alcohol is a diuretic, causing dehydration, and can also affect appetite. As a result, a person with AUD may experience weight gain or loss. Alcohol also dries the skin, causing wrinkles, dryness, puffiness, or an overall unhealthy appearance. In addition, people with AUD may neglect their personal hygiene and grooming.
Alcohol also impairs the central nervous system, disrupting the brain's communication pathways and affecting coordination and balance. Consequently, people with AUD may stumble more often, experience difficulty walking, or have an increased tendency to lose their balance and fall, leading to a heightened risk of injury.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Physical symptoms of liver damage may include jaundice, abdominal pain, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. Jaundice causes a yellow skin tone due to high levels of bilirubin in the body. Alcohol consumption can also irritate the digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Furthermore, excessive drinking can have adverse effects on the heart, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart disease, and stroke. Alcohol misuse can weaken the heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy. It can also cause deficiencies in specific blood components, such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia.
If you suspect that your partner is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek professional help and support. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, assess symptoms, and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
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Psychological consequences
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, and the severity of the condition can range from mild to severe.
Alcoholism can have several psychological consequences, including:
- Anxiety: Alcohol is often used to self-medicate and cope with anxiety, but heavy drinking and repeated withdrawal can escalate anxiety symptoms over time. Alcohol use can disrupt arousal, sleep, and cognition, making individuals more vulnerable to developing an anxiety disorder.
- Depression: Alcoholism can lead to or worsen depressive symptoms. The interaction between alcohol use and depression is complex, with alcohol providing temporary relief from depressive symptoms but ultimately exacerbating them over time.
- Psychosis: During withdrawal from heavy drinking, individuals may experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, known as delirium tremens. These symptoms can persist for an extended period after the last alcohol consumption and may require medical intervention.
- Cognitive impairment: Alcohol misuse can cause lasting changes in the brain, impacting cognitive function. This can include issues with memory, attention, decision-making, and impulse control.
- Trauma: Alcohol use can increase the risk of experiencing traumatic events, such as violence and assault. Additionally, AUD can undermine an individual's ability to cope with traumatic events, potentially leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Impaired judgement: Alcoholism can impair judgement and decision-making abilities, leading to risky behaviours and negative social or legal consequences. This can further contribute to relationship issues, occupational problems, and financial difficulties.
It is important to note that these psychological consequences can vary from person to person, and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders can further complicate the situation. Seeking professional help is crucial for managing alcoholism and its psychological impacts.
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Treatment options
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to identify and address the underlying causes of your partner's drinking. It can help them develop coping strategies to manage their alcohol consumption and address any co-occurring mental health issues. Psychotherapy can be done individually or in a group setting, providing your partner with support and accountability.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, offer a sense of community and understanding. They provide your partner with a network of peers who are facing similar challenges, allowing them to share experiences and learn from one another. Support groups often follow a 12-step program that encourages acceptance, self-reflection, and personal growth. These groups can be particularly beneficial in providing ongoing support and accountability throughout your partner's recovery journey.
Medications
Medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and support groups to treat alcohol use disorder. Here are some of the commonly prescribed medications:
- Naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol): This medication works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the positive reinforcement and cravings associated with alcohol use. It is available in oral and long-acting injectable formulations.
- Acamprosate (Campral): Acamprosate is particularly effective in maintaining abstinence in individuals who are not currently drinking. It interacts with glutamate receptors in the brain, although its exact mechanism is not fully understood. It is generally safe but should be avoided if your partner has severe renal dysfunction.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication is typically a second-line treatment option. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and for individuals with severe heart disease, psychosis, or liver disease. Prescribers must carefully monitor liver function while a patient is taking disulfiram.
- Topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR): While primarily used to treat seizures and prevent migraines, topiramate can also be prescribed off-label for alcohol use disorder. It helps rebalance brain chemicals and correct electrical activity in brain cells.
It is important to note that medication treatment for alcohol use disorder is underutilized, with only a small percentage of individuals receiving pharmacological interventions. This may be due to social stigma, a lack of understanding of alcohol use disorder as a treatable condition, or insufficient clinician familiarity with medication options.
If your partner is struggling with alcohol use disorder, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance on the most appropriate treatment options.
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Support for partners
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severity determined by the number of symptoms present.
Living with a partner who has AUD can be challenging and impact your emotional well-being. It is important to remember that your partner's drinking problem is not your fault, and that self-blame is counter-productive. Here are some ways to support your partner:
- Education: Educate yourself about AUD and the recovery process. Learn about your partner's triggers and the professional resources available to them. Understanding AUD can make the recovery process easier for both of you.
- Avoid Triggers: Help your partner avoid triggers such as social functions where alcohol is readily available or regular exposure through advertisements. Avoid drinking or nursing a hangover around your partner, and support their commitment to sobriety by mirroring their reduced drinking habits.
- Seek Professional Help: If your partner accepts help, act quickly to get them into alcohol treatment to prevent relapse. Detoxification can be complex and intense, and medical supervision is essential to ensure safety. Treating any underlying health problems alongside alcohol treatment can increase the chances of a full recovery.
- External Support: Seek external support for yourself and your partner. Organisations such as Adfam, Bottled Up, Carers UK, The Icarus Trust, and Al-Anon Family Groups offer support, advice, and resources for families and partners of people struggling with alcohol use.
- Mutual-Support Groups: Encourage your partner to participate in mutual-support groups, which can provide a network of support and help them achieve and maintain recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Alcoholism can be difficult to spot, especially in the early stages. Some signs that your partner may have a drinking problem include memory loss and blackouts, neglecting responsibilities, changes in personality, increased secrecy, and physical symptoms such as unexplained weight fluctuations, broken facial capillaries, flushed skin, premature ageing, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, unexplained bruises, and jaundice.
If you think your partner has alcoholism, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. You may also consider staging a formal intervention with a small group of people who care about your partner's well-being. It is important that everyone involved educates themselves about the signs of alcohol abuse and the nature of addiction, and that the discussion is held in a safe and sober environment.
